Contained flame flare stack

ABSTRACT

A flare stack may be equipped with an electrical energy application system configured to apply electrical energy to a flare stack combustor. The applied electrical energy may be selected to affect flare flame length, flare flame containment, and/or flare flame exhaust gas composition.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority benefit from U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/736,524, entitled “CONTAINED FLAME FLARESTACK”, filed Dec. 12, 2012; which, to the extent not inconsistent withthe disclosure herein, is incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Flare stacks are used to burn off vented volatile organic compounds. Forexample, in an oil refinery, a flare stack may be used to maintain asubstantially atmospheric pressure at a node of the system. In an oilfield, a flare stack may be used to burn off natural gas that isproduced as a byproduct of crude oil production. In a landfill, a flarestack may be used to burn off methane released by decompositionprocesses. Because volatile organics are considered pollutants, it isgenerally considered more preferred to burn the volatile organics thanto vent the volatile organics directly to the atmosphere.

In flare stack applications, it can be important to control the heightof a flame envelope created by the burner. In some applications, it maybe required or desired that the flame not exceed the height of the flarestack itself. By keeping the flame inside the flare stack, safety may beimproved. Moreover, aesthetics may be improved sufficiently to avoidcomplaints about a visible flame.

Enclosed flare stacks or ground flares can be used for burning offunusable waste field gas in a variety of oil and gas productionapplications, for example. Waste gases may be released duringover-pressuring of plant equipment. The waste gases may be transportedto a corresponding ground flare. Some ground flares are enclosed. By“enclosed” it is meant that a flame envelope is substantially blockedfrom view by persons outside a controlled access area.

Flame length may determine a required height, girth, or other dimensionsof the ground flare structure. A problem may arise when the flamebecomes visible (e.g., is too high). One parameter that can causeundesirable flame lengthening is insufficient air in combustion regionsof a ground flare. Poor mixing of fuel and air may similarly cause flamelengthening.

Excessively high flame length may substantially halt operationalpermitting, and/or may be expressed as greater capital cost, increasedoperating expenses, and/or other remediation expenses.

For the foregoing reasons, it is desirable to reduce flame length and/orimprove the overall combustion efficiency in ground flares.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment, a ground flare structure is configured forthe application of electrical effects to a flame. The application ofelectrical effects can include application of a charge or voltage to theflame, and/or application of an electric field to a flame. The groundflare structure can include a vertical stack, a burner to support theflame, air inlets to allow air flow necessary for combustion, pipingthat transports fuel or waste gas to burner, and a power sourceconnected to one or more electrodes.

According to an embodiment, a power source can generate a time-varyingvoltage waveform that can be applied to the flame through one or moreelectrodes. This time-varying voltage waveform can introduce alternatingpositive and negative charges to the flame, creating continuousexpansion and contraction of the flame in an oscillating effect. Thisoscillating effect on the flame can enhance the mixing of air and fuel,improving combustion efficiency and reducing flame length.

According to another embodiment, a power source can generate one or moreDC voltages that can be applied to the flame through one or moreelectrodes. The DC voltages can be used to control the flame shape.

According to an embodiment, a system for volatile compound venting witha flare stack can include a flare stack combustor configured to at leastintermittently receive volatile compound flow and support a flame atleast partially fueled by the volatile compound flow. An electricalenergy application system can be configured to apply electrical energyto at least a portion of the flare stack combustor supporting the flame,and to cause the flame to be substantially contained within the flarestack.

By reducing flame length within the vertical stack, materialrequirements for building ground flare structures can be significantlyreduced as less material would be required to support a shorter flame.The technique for reducing flame length disclosed herein can assistcompliance with regulation standards about flame length and can also beapplicable for elevated flares and retrofit applications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a system for volatile compound venting with aflare stack including an electrical energy application system, accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a depiction of an electrode arrangement in a flare stackcombustor, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a system for volatile compound venting with aflare stack including an electrical energy application system, accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a ground flare structure configured for the application ofa charge, voltage, and/or electric field to a flame. Power source is OFFas no time-varying waveform is applied to flame, which can exhibit anormal combustion stage and original length, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 depicts ground flare structure when power source is ON as atime-varying voltage waveform is being applied to the flame through oneor more electrodes. Flame can exhibit an oscillating effect, accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates ground flare structure and the effects of acontinuous application of time-varying voltage waveform to flame throughone or more electrodes. Flame can exhibit reduced length, according toan embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows a time-varying voltage waveform for inducing oscillatingeffect on flame, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, whichare not to scale or to proportion, similar symbols typically identifysimilar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrativeembodiments described in the detailed description, drawings and claims,are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be used and/or andother changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a system for volatile compound venting with aflare stack 102 including an electrical energy application system 108,according to an embodiment.

The system 100 for volatile compound venting with a flare stack 102includes a flare stack combustor 104. The flare stack 102 is configuredto at least intermittently receive volatile compound flow and support aflame 106 at least partially fueled by the volatile compound flow.

The system 100 for volatile compound venting with a flare stack 102includes an electrical energy application system 108 configured to applyelectrical energy to at least a portion of the flare stack combustor 104supporting the flame 106, and to cause the flame 106 to be substantiallycontained within the flare stack 102.

According to an embodiment, the electrical energy application system 108can include a controller 110, a voltage source 112 operatively coupledto and responsive to the controller 110 and one or more electrodes 114operatively coupled to the voltage source 112 and the flare stackcombustor 104.

The voltage source 112 can be disposed outside a grounded vertical stack116. The electrical energy application system 108 and/or the voltagesource 112 can further include at least one electrical isolator and/orinsulator 118. The at least one electrical isolator and/or insulator 118can be configured to maintain electrical insulation and/or isolationbetween the voltage provided by the voltage source 112 and ground.

According to an embodiment, the one or more electrodes 114 can beconfigured to affect a rate of combustion in the flare stack combustor104.

The one or more electrodes 114 can be configured to affect an ionic windin the flare stack combustor 104.

The one or more electrodes 114 can be configured to flatten the flame106 to substantially prevent flame height from exceeding the height of avisual barrier 120. The visual barrier 120 can include a top edge of theflare stack.

The flare stack combustor 104 can be configured to receive ignition fuelfrom an igniter fuel source 122 and to receive a volatile gas fuel froma volatile gas fuel source 124, to maintain a pilot flame 106 orinitiate ignition with the ignition fuel, and to maintain ignition ofthe volatile gas fuel using the pilot flame 106 or ignition. An ignitercontroller 126 can be configured to cause the flare stack combustor 104to establish and/or maintain ignition.

The electrical energy application system 108 can include a controller110, which can be referred to as an ECC controller 110. The ECCcontroller 110 can be configured to control the application of anelectrical voltage, an electrical charge, an electrical field, and/or acombination thereof to the flare stack combustor 104.

The electrical energy application system controller 110 may beconfigured to cause the electrical energy application system 108 toapply a spark discharge to the flare stack combustor 104 when fuel ispresent without ignition or a pilot flame 106.

According to various embodiments, the igniter controller 126 can beoperatively coupled to the electrical energy application systemcontroller 110. For example, portions of the igniter controller 126 andthe ECC controller 110 can include hardware and/or software that isshared. The ECC controller 110 can include igniter control as part ofits function. The igniter controller 126 can include electrical energyapplication system 108 control as part of its function. One or moreelectrodes 114 can cooperate to form a spark (or arc) discharge ignitionsource for the igniter fuel 122 and/or the volatile compound flow.

FIG. 2 is a depiction of an electrode arrangement 200 in a flare stackcombustor 104, according to an embodiment. One or more electrodes 114can be included. The one or more electrodes 114 can include a chargesource 202 configured to apply a charge to the flame 106.

The charge source 202 can be configured to apply charge to one or morefuel streams 204 that support the flame 106.

The charge source 202 can include a serrated, ion-ejecting electrode.The serrated, ion ejecting electrode can be disposed to convey ejectedions to the flame 106.

The charge source 202 can include an ionizer configured to convey ionsto the flame 106.

A current-limiting resistor 205 can be included. The current-limitingresistor 205 can be operatively coupled between the voltage source 112and the charge source 202. The current-limiting resistor 205 can beconfigured to reduce or eliminate the formation of electrical arcs to orfrom the charge source 202.

The one or more electrodes 114 can include a charge source 202configured to supply a charge to the flame 106 and at least one fieldelectrode 206 configured to flatten the flame 106.

According to an embodiment, the at least one field electrode 206 caninclude a distally-disposed repulsion electrode 208 configured toreceive a voltage having the same polarity as the charge applied to theflame 106. The distally-disposed repulsion electrode 208 can beconfigured to exert a downward Coulombic pressure on the flame 106 tocause the most distal tip of the flame 106 to be below a top edge 120 ofthe of the flare stack.

The distally-disposed repulsion electrode 208 can be disposed at orbelow the top edge 120 of the flare stack. Additionally and/oralternatively, the distally-disposed repulsion electrode 208 can bedisposed at or above a nominally designated flame tip.

According to an embodiment, the at least one field electrode 206 caninclude a proximally-disposed attraction electrode 210 configured toreceive a voltage having the opposite polarity as the charge applied tothe flame 106.

The proximally-disposed attraction electrode 210 can be configured toexert a downward Coulombic attraction force on the flame 106 to cause ahigher amount of combustion at or near a flame holder 212 than a flarestack combustor 104 not including the proximally-disposed attractionelectrode 210.

According to an embodiment, a current limiting resistor 214 can beincluded and operatively coupled between the voltage source 112 and theattraction electrode 210. The current-limiting resistor 214 can beconfigured to reduce or eliminate the formation of electrical arcs to orfrom the attraction electrode 210.

The flare stack combustor 104 can also include at least one fuel nozzle216. The fuel nozzle(s) 216 can optionally be maintained at a voltagerelative to ground and/or relative to a voltage placed on a nearbyelectrode 114, such as the ion-ejecting electrode 202 and/or theproximally disposed electrode 210. The fuel nozzle can cooperate with anearby electrode 114 to at least intermittently form an electric fieldtherebetween. According to an embodiment, the flame holder 212 caninclude or consist essentially of a flame holding conductive surface,which can be referred to as an electrode 114.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a system 300 for volatile compound venting with aflare stack including an electrical energy application system 108,according to another embodiment. The electrical energy applicationsystem 108 can include an electrical energy application systemcontroller 110 having a feedback loop configured to cause the controllerto control the electrical energy application system 108 responsive to afuel flow parameter or a flame parameter.

The system can include a sensor 302 operatively coupled to theelectrical energy application system controller 110. The sensor 302 canbe configured to sense a flame parameter.

The sensor 302 can be configured to sense flame height. The sensor 302can be configured to sense a parameter proportional to flame behavior.Additionally, the sensor 302 can include an infrared sensor and/orpyrometer.

One or more fuel flow sensors can be included. The one or more fuel flowsensors can be operatively coupled to the electrical energy applicationsystem controller 110 and can be configured to detect a fuel flow rateto the flare stack combustor 104.

The electrical energy application system controller 110 can beconfigured to cause the electrical energy application system 108 toapply at least one of one or more voltages, one or more duty cycles, oneor more charge densities, and/or one or more electric fields having amagnitude proportional to the fuel flow rate. Additionally oralternatively, the electrical energy application system controller 110can be configured to dynamically modulate the electrical energyapplication system 108 responsive to dynamic changes in the fuel flowrate. The electrical energy application system controller 110 caninclude a proportional controller, an integral controller, adifferential controller, and/or a combination thereof.

The electrical energy application system 108 can be configured to applyone or more DC voltages to the flame 106.

The electrical energy application system 108 can be configured to applyone or more time-varying voltages to the flame 106. The electricalenergy application system 108 can be configured to apply one or morealternating current (AC) voltages to the flame 106. The electricalenergy application system 108 can be configured to apply one or morevoltage waveforms to the flame 106. Additionally, the electrical energyapplication system 108 can be configured to apply one or more of asinusoidal voltage waveform, a square voltage waveform, a sawtoothvoltage waveform, a triangular voltage waveform, a truncated sawtooth ortriangular voltage waveform, a logarithmic voltage waveform, or anexponential voltage waveform to the flame 106.

According to an embodiment, the one or more time-varying voltages can beselected to increase flame mixing to cause substantially completeconsumption of fuel within the flare stack 102.

EXAMPLES

FIG. 4 shows a ground flare structure 400 configured for the applicationof a charge, voltage, and/or electric field to a flame 106, according toan embodiment. A vertical stack 116 can contain a fuel nozzle(s) 216 forburning waste gas and which is open at the top for flue gas discharge.The fuel nozzle(s) 216 can be configured to support flame 106 enclosedin the vertical stack 116. As shown in FIG. 4, the vertical stack 116can be properly grounded, and can be supported by stays.

The dimensions or scale, geometric relationships and forms of thevertical stack 116 and the fuel nozzle(s) 216 can vary according to theapplication.

Two or more air inlets 408 can be located at the bottom regions of thevertical stack 116 for allowing air 410 flow to support the combustion.A fuel stream 204 to be disposed by burning is fed to fuel nozzle(s) 216through piping 414. The fuel stream 204 can include waste gasesoriginated from over-pressuring of plant equipment, or otherhydrocarbon-based fuels. For example, the fuel stream 204 can include arefinery mixture of 25% hydrogen, 50% methane, and 25% propane, wherethere is enough carbon content for the technique described herein towork accordingly.

The flame 106 enclosed in the vertical stack 116 can include a pluralityof charged and uncharged species. During combustion, charged speciessuch as ions 420 are produced within the flame 106. Such ions 420 caninclude HCO+, C3H3+, H3O+, among others, along with their correspondingbut dissociated electrons. Uncharged or neutral species can includeuncharged combustion products, unburned fuel stream 204 and air 410.

One or more electrodes 114 can be configured to apply voltage, charge,and/or electric field to the flame 106. One or more electrodes 114 canbe isolated from the ground flare structure 400 and can be connected toa voltage source 112. The voltage source 112 can be configured toproduce a plurality of voltage waveforms for driving one or moreelectrodes 114. In an embodiment, a controller can be connected to thevoltage source 112 to determine voltage waveforms for driving one ormore electrodes 114 according to received combustion feedback or sensedcombustion values from a plurality of sensors.

In another embodiment, fuel nozzle(s) 216 can be configured to applyvoltage, charge, and/or electric field to the flame 106. Yet in anotherembodiment, a charged pilot flame can be configured for the applicationof voltage, charge, and/or electric field to flame the 106.

As shown in FIG. 4, voltage source 112 is in OFF mode as no voltagewaveforms are applied to one or more electrodes 114, and consequently novoltage, charge, and/or electric field can be applied to the flame 106.During this operation mode, the flame 106 can exhibit a normalcombustion state, whereby the flame 106 length can reach the top of thevertical stack 104 as consequence of insufficient supply of air 410and/or poor mixing between the fuel stream 204 and air 110.

FIG. 5 depicts a ground flare structure 500 when the voltage source 112operates in ON mode. When operating in ON mode, the voltage source 112can drive one or more electrodes 114 for the application of atime-varying voltage waveform to the flame 106.

A time-varying voltage waveform 502 generated from voltage source 112and applied through one or more electrodes 114 can first introduce apositive charge at high voltage but low amperage into the flame 106 toremove electrons and enhance the concentration of cations. Exit ofelectrons from the flame 106 can occur very rapidly as electrons areconsiderably less massive than ions 420. As a result, the higherconcentration of positive ions 420 in the flame 106 can disperse ascharges of same polarity mutually repel. While charge imbalance affectsprimarily ions 420, collisions between ions 420 and uncharged or neutralspecies can occur, producing a net dispersive bulk flow away from flame106 and toward a region of lower electrical potential, in this case, thevertical stack 116 which is grounded. At this time, the flame 106 canexpand toward the vertical stack 116.

Ions 420 within the flame 106 can capture electrons when reachinggrounded the vertical stack 116 or any oppositely charged structure. Inorder to avoid this condition, the time-varying voltage waveform 502generated from the voltage source 112 and applied through electrodes 114can introduce a negative charge to the flame 106 to bring back electronsand reduce concentration of cations. With a higher concentration ofelectrons and lower concentration of cations, the flame 106 can repelfrom the vertical stack 116 and can contract to its original shape.

The time-varying voltage waveform 502 can continue reversing thepolarity of one or more electrodes 114, producing continuousexpansion/contraction of flame 106. This can be referred to asoscillation 504 of the flame 106.

FIG. 6 illustrates the result of oscillation 504 of the flame 106 in theground flare structure 400. As the oscillation 504 of the flame 106continues with the application of the time-varying voltage waveform 502through electrodes 114, higher mixing of the fuel stream 204 and air 410can be achieved in vertical stack 116 with no change in firing rate. Ahigher mixing between the fuel stream 204 and air 410 can significantlyreduce the flame length as depicted in FIG.6, while also improvingcombustion efficiency of the ground flare structure 400.

In addition, oscillation 504 of the flame 106 can provide higherentrainment and mixing with the neutral species without the need foradditional excess air 410. The excess air 410 requirements can bereduced since the bulk momentum of air 410 used for mixing can beassisted by increased turbulence originated from continuous oscillation504 of the flame 106.

The reduced flame length can be maintained as long as the voltage source112 operates at ON mode and continues driving one or more electrodes 114for the application of time-varying voltage waveform to the flame 106.When the voltage source 112 is deactivated or at OFF mode, the flame 106can immediately return to its normal combustion state as described inFIG. 4.

Different levels of flame length reduction can be achieved according toapplication requirements. The flame length reduction can depend on thevoltage amplitude and frequency of the time-varying voltage waveform 402applied by one or more electrodes 114, as well as fuel type and/or theoverall ground flare structure 400 configuration.

FIG. 7 is a representation of the time-varying voltage waveform 502generated from the voltage source 112 and applied to the flame 106through one or more electrodes 114. The time-varying voltage waveform502 can be modulated between high voltage V_(H) and low voltage V_(L) ina pattern characterized by period P. The high voltage V_(H) and lowvoltage V_(L) can be selected as equal magnitude variations above andbelow a mean voltage V_(o), whereby mean voltage V_(o) can be a groundvoltage.

The period P can include a duration t_(L) corresponding to low voltageV_(L) and another duration t_(H) corresponding high voltage V_(H), wheret_(L) plus t_(H) can equal P. Frequency of the time-varying voltagewaveform 502 can be the inverse of period P. According to an embodiment,flame length reduction can be controlled by modulating the frequency oftime-varying voltage waveform 502, which can vary between 10 Hz and 2kHz, with 200 Hz being preferred.

As described in FIG. 5, the time-varying voltage waveform 502 can applya positive charge or high voltage V_(H) via one or more electrodes 114to the flame 106, producing an expansion effect on flame 106. This canbe followed by a corresponding application of negative charge or lowvoltage V_(L) which can generate a contracting effect on flame 106. Assuch, the continuous reversal between high voltage V_(H) and low voltageV_(L) in the time-varying voltage waveform 502 can generate theoscillation 504 effect on the flame 106, which can translate into highermixing of the fuel stream 204 and air 410, and a corresponding flame 106length reduction in the ground flare structure 400.

The technique herein described for the reduction of flame length canalso be applicable to elevated flares or open flare arrays that canrequire improved mixing of air and fuel, and higher combustionefficiency.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, otheraspects and embodiments may be contemplated. The various aspects andembodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and arenot intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit beingindicated by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for volatile compound venting with aflare stack, comprising: a flare stack combustor configured to at leastintermittently receive volatile compound flow and support a flame atleast partially fueled by the volatile compound flow; and an electricalenergy application system, the electrical energy application systembeing configured to apply electrical energy to at least a portion of theflare stack combustor supporting the flame, and to cause the flame to besubstantially contained within the flare stack.
 2. The system forvolatile compound venting with a flare stack of claim 1, wherein theelectrical energy application system further comprises: a controller; avoltage source operatively coupled to and responsive to the controller;and one or more electrodes operatively coupled to the voltage source andthe flare stack combustor.
 3. The system for volatile compound ventingwith a flare stack of claim 2, wherein the voltage source is disposedoutside a grounded flare stack wall.
 4. The system for volatile compoundventing with a flare stack of claim 3, further comprising at least oneelectrical isolator or insulator configured to maintain electricalinsulation or isolation between the voltage provided by the voltagesource and ground.
 5. The system for volatile compound venting with aflare stack of claim 2, wherein the one or more electrodes areconfigured to affect a rate of combustion in the flare stack combustor.6. The system for volatile compound venting with a flare stack of claim2, wherein the one or more electrodes are configured to affect an ionicwind in the flare stack combustor.
 7. The system for volatile compoundventing with a flare stack of claim 2, wherein the one or moreelectrodes are configured to flatten the flame to substantially preventflame height from exceeding the height of a visual barrier.
 8. Thesystem for volatile compound venting with a flare stack of claim 7,wherein the visual barrier includes a top edge of the flare stack. 9.The system for volatile compound venting with a flare stack of claim 1,further comprising an igniter controller configured to cause the flarestack combustor to establish or maintain ignition.
 10. The system forvolatile compound venting with a flare stack of claim 9, wherein theelectrical energy application system includes a controller configured tocontrol the application of an electrical voltage, an electrical charge,an electrical field, or a combination thereof to the flare stackcombustor; and wherein the igniter controller is operatively coupled tothe electrical energy application system controller.
 11. The system forvolatile compound venting with a flare stack of claim 10, wherein theelectrical energy application system controller is configured to causethe electrical energy application system to apply a spark discharge tothe flare stack combustor when fuel is present without ignition or apilot flame.
 12. The system for volatile compound venting with a flarestack of claim 9, wherein the one or more electrodes include a chargesource configured to apply a charge to the flame.
 13. The system forvolatile compound venting with a flare stack of claim 12, wherein thecharge source is configured to apply charge to one or more fuel streamsthat support the flame.
 14. The system for volatile compound ventingwith a flare stack of claim 12, wherein the charge source includes aserrated, ion-ejecting electrode disposed to convey ejected ions to theflame.
 15. The system for volatile compound venting with a flare stackof claim 12, wherein the charge source includes an ionizer configured toconvey ions to the flame.
 16. The system for volatile compound ventingwith a flare stack of claim 12, further comprising a current-limitingresistor operatively coupled between the voltage source and the chargesource, the current-limiting resistor being configured to reduce oreliminate the formation of electrical arcs to or from the charge source.17. The system for volatile compound venting with a flare stack of claim9, wherein the one or more electrodes further comprise: a charge sourceconfigured to supply a charge to the flame; and at least one fieldelectrode configured to flatten the flame.
 18. The system for volatilecompound venting with a flare stack of claim 17, wherein the at leastone field electrode includes a distally-disposed repulsion electrodeconfigured to receive a voltage having the same polarity as the chargeapplied to the flame.
 19. The system for volatile compound venting witha flare stack of claim 18, wherein the distally-disposed electrode isconfigured to exert a downward Coulombic pressure on the flame to causethe most distal tip of the flame to be below a top edge of the of theflare stack.
 20. The system for volatile compound venting with a flarestack of claim 18, wherein the distally-disposed electrode is disposedat or below the top edge of the flare stack.
 21. The system for volatilecompound venting with a flare stack of claim 18, wherein thedistally-disposed electrode is disposed at or above a nominallydesignated flame tip.
 22. The system for volatile compound venting witha flare stack of claim 17, wherein the at least one field electrodeincludes a proximally-disposed attraction electrode configured toreceive a voltage having the opposite polarity as the charge applied tothe flame.
 23. The system for volatile compound venting with a flarestack of claim 22, wherein the proximally-disposed electrode isconfigured to exert a downward Coulombic attraction force on the flameto cause a higher amount of combustion at or near a flame holder than aflare stack combustor not including the proximally-disposed attractionelectrode.
 24. The system for volatile compound venting with a flarestack of claim 22, further comprising a current limiting resistoroperatively coupled between the voltage source and the attractionelectrode, the current-limiting resistor being configured to reduce oreliminate the formation of electrical arcs to or from the attractionelectrode.
 25. The system for volatile compound venting with a flarestack of claim 1, wherein the electrical energy application systemfurther comprises: an electrical energy application system controllerhaving a feedback loop configured to cause the controller to control theelectrical energy application system responsive to a fuel flow parameteror a flame parameter.
 26. The system for volatile compound venting witha flare stack of claim 25, further comprising: a sensor operativelycoupled to the electrical energy application system controller, thesensor being configured to sense a flame parameter.
 27. The system forvolatile compound venting with a flare stack of claim 26, wherein thesensor is configured to sense flame height.
 28. The system for volatilecompound venting with a flare stack of claim 26, wherein the sensor isconfigured to sense a parameter proportional to flame behavior.
 29. Thesystem for volatile compound venting with a flare stack of claim 26,wherein the sensor includes an infrared sensor or pyrometer.
 30. Thesystem for volatile compound venting with a flare stack of claim 26,further comprising one or more fuel flow sensors operatively coupled tothe electrical energy application system controller and configured todetect a fuel flow rate to the flare stack combustor.
 31. The system forvolatile compound venting with a flare stack of claim 30, wherein theelectrical energy application system controller is configured to causethe electrical energy application system to apply at least one of one ormore voltages, one or more duty cycles, one or more charge densities, orone or more electric fields having a magnitude proportional to the fuelflow rate.
 32. The system for volatile compound venting with a flarestack of claim 30, wherein the electrical energy application systemcontroller is configured to dynamically modulate the electrical energyapplication system responsive to dynamic changes in the fuel flow rate.33. The system for volatile compound venting with a flare stack of claim25, wherein the electrical energy application system controller includesa proportional controller, an integral controller, a differentialcontroller, or a combination thereof.
 34. The system for volatilecompound venting with a flare stack of claim 1, wherein the electricalenergy application system is configured to apply one or more DC voltagesto the flame.
 35. The system for volatile compound venting with a flarestack of claim 1, wherein the electrical energy application system isconfigured to apply one or more time-varying voltages to the flame. 36.The system for volatile compound venting with a flare stack of claim 35,wherein the electrical energy application system is configured to applyone or more alternating current (AC) voltages to the flame.
 37. Thesystem for volatile compound venting with a flare stack of claim 35,wherein the electrical energy application system is configured to applyone or more voltage waveforms to the flame.
 38. The system for volatilecompound venting with a flare stack of claim 37, wherein the electricalenergy application system is configured to apply one or more of asinusoidal voltage waveform, a square voltage waveform, a sawtoothvoltage waveform, a triangular voltage waveform, a truncated sawtooth ortriangular voltage waveform, a logarithmic voltage waveform, or anexponential voltage waveform to the flame.
 39. The system for volatilecompound venting with a flare stack of claim 35, wherein the one or moretime-varying voltages is selected to increase flame mixing to causesubstantially complete consumption of fuel within the flare stack.